The following are some observations and further advice on preparation.Hoses: Hoses need to be tied up. If the wind is high enough a hose can get loose and beat on anything in its path.

Line Size: While most boaters are using the correct line size (diameter) a few boats are secured with lines that are just too small for the job. One source of such information is in this chart Here Comes a “Never Never Never”: Never, never, never, tie a line to any of the pilings that go through the end of the finger piers. If the wind is high enough the line can become very tight, jam and block the piers ability to rise with the storm surge. This could break the finger pier off; sink your boat, or both. In fact, the boat and/or finger pier could also crash into your neighbor’s boat. (See photo above.)

What Can Blow Around Will Blow Around: Deck chairs, steps, coolers, and anything loose will damage not only your boat but your neighbor’s boat. We had one case where a trawler did a beautiful job of securing their boat but had a deck full of, unsecured, aluminum furniture. In short everything needs to be tied down or stowed.

Storm Alerts Will Never be Perfect:The Harbour Master will always error on the side of caution. Would you want it any other way?